Lung Cancer Awareness: Dr. Yahanda discusses radon and lung cancer

Dr. Alan Yahanda, Surgical Oncologist at Parkview, discussed the different causes of lung cancer with FOX 55's Brian Miller.

Smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer, accounting for 85%-90% of cancers, but other factors can increase a person's chance of developing the disease as well.

Dr. Yahanda said the next most common cause of lung cancer is radon exposure.

"Radon is an odorless, colorless gas, it is a radioactive gas, and it accumulates, usually in the lowest part of the house, because it's a heavy gas," explained Dr. Yahanda, "and it is known to cause lung cancers."

The radon gas itself is not the main problem, he explained, but it binds to dust particles and other particles that are breathed in and those radioactive particles can become trapped in the lungs and cause disease.

Radon enters homes through breaks in home foundations or slabs, Dr. Yahanda said, as well as via sump pumps.

People are advised to get homes tested for radon to see if a ventilation system to remove radon may be needed.